Basketball training article and method

ABSTRACT

A basketball throw training device is provided and includes, a device support structure, a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, wherein the ball path indicator is movably associated with the device support structure such that the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/828,237 filed May 29, 2013 and titled “Basketball Training Article and Method,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sports training tool and more particularly to a training aid for training a basketball player to keep throws (shots) as straight as possible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, the game of basketball is a popular sport in the United States and around the world. Basketball is played as an organized sport not only in national leagues, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), but also in local venues, such as high school league and other local leagues. In fact, in a lot of cases players in local school leagues hope to obtain college scholarships based on their ability to play basketball at the collegiate level. Accordingly, these players are constantly practicing and trying to improve their playing skills

One skill that is very important is the ability to accurately “free throw” the basketball into the basket from a fixed point on the basketball court. Unfortunately however, throwing the basketball into the basket from a fixed point is a daunting task that is not easily mastered by many players. Consider that even some of the best professional basketball players have a free throw percentage that ranges from about 80% to about 92%. In fact, the average free throw percentage for professional NBA basketball players is only about 75%. This means that the average professional basketball player misses the basket about two to three times for every ten throw attempts.

Unfortunately however, although there are training devices that claim to help players become better at throwing the basketball, these devices are cumbersome, impractical and do not function efficiently. For example, one solution involves setting up an arcuate tubular device that has one end attached to the basket and the other end attached to a base which is located proximate the player. The player stands by the base and tries to copy or imitate the arcuate path of the tubular device. This device is impractical because the device encourages the player to throw the ball trying the make the ball follow the arcuate shape of the tubular device to the basket. This is disadvantageous because the thrower inevitably is tempted to take his eyes off of the ball and basket and onto the arcuate device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A basketball throw training device is provided and includes, a device support structure, a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, wherein the ball path indicator is movably associated with the device support structure such that the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height.

A basketball throw training device is provided and includes a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, wherein the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height.

A method for implementing a basketball throw training device is provided, wherein the basketball throw training device includes a ball path indictor having a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, and wherein the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height. The method includes locating the basketball throw training device such that the ball path indicator is located between a thrower and a basket, arranging the basketball throw training device such that the top indicator surface of the ball path indicator is ‘pointing’ from the thrower to the basket, adjusting the height of the ball path indicator to the height of the thrower and directing a thrower to throw a basketball into the basket using the ball path indicator as a directional guide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 is side isometric view of a basketball throw training device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is side isometric view of a basketball throw training device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is side isometric view of a basketball throw training device, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an operational block diagram illustrating a method for implementing a basketball throw training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the ball path indicator support structure 400 that may be used to support the ball path indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an alignment article for use with the basketball throw training device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an alignment article being used with the basketball throw training device of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of rail/track bar for use with the basketball throw training device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 b is a sectional view of the rail/track bar of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 is an operational block diagram illustrating a method for implementing a basketball throw training device with an alignment article, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a basketball throw (shot) training device 100 is provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The training device 100 includes a ball path indicator 102 and a device support structure 104, where the ball path indicator 102 is connected to the device support structure 104 via a first connecting member 106 and a second connecting member 108. It should be appreciated that the ball path indicator 102 includes a top indicator surface 110 having a length of about Y and a first indicator end 112 separated from a second indicator end 114 via an indicator center portion 116. The length of the ball path indicator 102 may be adjustable/extendable if desired.

The device support structure 104 includes a support device first leg 118, a support device second leg 120 and a support device base portion 122, where the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120 are adjustably connected to the support device base portion 122. The support device base portion 122 includes a first roller portion 124 separated from a second roller portion 126 via a support device strut 128, wherein the first roller portion 124 and second roller portion 126 may include at least one roller or wheel 130 to allow the training device 100 to be easily movable into position as desired, wherein the at least one roller or wheel 130 may be lockable to prevent the training device 100 from being moved out of position.

It should be appreciated that the support device strut 128 includes a length of about X such that the support device first leg 118 is separated from the support device second leg 120 by about X. Additionally, the support device first leg 118 and the first strut connecting member 106 are configured such that the support device first leg 118 and the first strut connecting member 106 are adjustably connected via a securing article. Moreover, the support device second leg 120 and the second strut connecting member 108 are configured such that the support device second leg 120 and the second strut connecting member 108 are adjustably connected via a securing article, in the same or similar fashion. These adjustable connections allow the first strut connecting member 106 and the second strut connecting member 108 to be adjustable between different heights relative to the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120, respectively. Moreover, the securing article may be any securing article suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a quick release compression device, a cam action locking device, an adjustable pin/hole article and/or a sleeve compression article.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120 may be connected to the support device strut 128 such that the support device first leg 118 may be rotatable about a first axis M (also may be fixed and not rotatable) and the support device second leg 120 may be rotatable about a second axis N (also may be fixed and not rotatable). Thus, the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120 may be configurable between a usable configuration and a stored configuration. When in the useable configuration, the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120 may be positioned to be substantially vertical (and/or off angled) to extend up and away from the support device strut 128. When in the stored configuration, the support device first leg 118 and the support device second leg 120 may be positioned to be substantially horizontal and/or parallel to the support device strut 128.

It should be further appreciated that the training device 100 may include direction indicators (such as arrows pointing from the second indicator end 114 to the first indicator end 112) located on the top indicator surface 110 between the first indicator end 112 and the second indicator end 114.

Referring to FIG. 2, a basketball throw training device 200 is provided, in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention. The training device 200 includes a ball path indicator 202 and a device support structure 204, where the ball path indicator 202 is connected to the device support structure 204 via a strut connecting member 206, wherein the strut connecting member 206 may further include one or more side strut supports 208. It should be appreciated that the ball path indicator 202 may include a top indicator surface 210 and a first indicator end 212 separated from a second indicator end 214 via an indicator center portion 216.

The device support structure 204 may include a support device leg 218 and a support device base portion 220, where the support device leg 218 may be adjustably connected to the support device base portion 220. The support device base portion 220 may include a first roller portion 222 separated from a second roller portion 224 via a support device strut 226, where the first roller portion 224 and second roller portion 226 may include at least one roller or wheel 228 to allow the training device 200 to be easily moved as desired. Moreover, it is contemplated that the at least one roller or wheel 228 may be lockable to prevent the training device 200 from being moved out of position.

It should be appreciated that the support device strut 228 may include a length of about X and the top indicator surface 210 may have a length of about Y. Additionally, the strut connecting member 206 and/or the one or more side strut supports 208 may be configured and associated with the support device leg 218 such that the strut connecting member 206 and/or the one or more side strut supports 208 are adjustable relative to the support device leg 218. These adjustable connections allow ball path indicator 202 to be adjustable between different heights by adjusting the strut connecting member 206 and/or the one or more side strut supports 208.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the support device leg 218 may be connected to the support device strut 226 such that the support device leg 218 is rotatable about an axis Z, such that the support device leg 218 is configurable between a usable configuration and a stored configuration. When in the useable configuration, the support device leg 218 is positioned to be substantially vertical and perpendicular to the support device strut 226. When in the stored configuration, the support device leg 218 is positioned to be substantially horizontal and parallel to the support device strut 226.

It should be further appreciated that the training device 200 may include direction indicators (such as arrows pointing from the second indicator strut end 214 to the first indicator strut end 212) located on the top indicator strut surface 210 between the first indicator strut end 212 and the second indicator strut end 214.

Referring to FIG. 3, a basketball throw training device 300 is provided, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention. The training device 300 includes a ball path indicator 302 and a device support structure 304, where the ball path indicator 302 is connected to the device support structure 304 via a first connecting member 306 and a second connecting member 308. It should be appreciated that the ball path indicator 302 may include a top indicator surface 310 having a length of about Y and a first indicator end 312 separated from a second indicator end 314 via an indicator center portion 316.

The device support structure 304 includes a support device first leg 318, a support device second leg 320 and a support device base portion 322, where the support device first leg 318 and the support device second leg 320 may be adjustably connected to the support device base portion 322. The support device base portion 322 may include a first roller portion 324 separated from a second roller portion 326 via a support device strut 328, wherein the first roller portion 324 and second roller portion 326 may include at least one roller or wheel 330 to allow the training device 300 to be easily movable as desired, wherein the at least one roller or wheel 330 may be lockable to prevent the training device 300 from being moved out of position.

It should be appreciated that the support device strut 328 includes a length of about X such that the support device first leg 318 is separated from the support device second leg 320 by about X. Additionally, the support device first leg 318 and the first connecting member 306 are configured such that the first connecting member 306 is adjustably associated with the support device first leg 318 via a rotary gear (friction or tooth) device 325 (such as rack and pinion) having an actuation handle 327. When the actuation handle 327 is rotated in one direction, the first connecting member 306 is raised vertically away from the support device first leg 318. When the actuation handle 327 is rotated in the other direction, the first connecting member 306 is lowered vertically toward the support device first leg 318. In this way, the height of the first indicator strut end 312 is adjustable to different heights. Moreover, the support device second leg 320 and the second connecting member 308 are configured such that the second connecting member 308 is adjustably associated with the support device second leg 320. These adjustable connections allow the first connecting member 306 and the second connecting member 308 to be adjustable between different heights relative to the support device first leg 318 and the support device second leg 320, respectively.

It is contemplated that the first connecting member 106, 206, 306 and second connecting member 108, 208, 308 may be adjustably secured in position relative to the support device first leg 118, 218, 318 and the support device second leg 120, 220, 320 via any securing means and/or device suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a quick release compression device, a cam action locking device, an adjustable pin/hole article and/or a sleeve compression article.

Moreover, in one embodiment, it is contemplated that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 may having a length Y of about 142 inches (±10%) and the support device strut 128, 226, 328 may have a length X of about 73 inches (±10%). In other embodiments, it is contemplated that one or both of the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 and the support device strut 128, 226, 328 may be adjustable in length to be longer or shorter, as desired. This would advantageously allow the user to be farther from or closer to the basket. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the adjustability of the first connecting member 106, 206, 306 and/or second connecting member 108, 208, 308 allows the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 to be adjusted to a height between about 2 feet to about 12 feet.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating a method 500 for implementing a basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 is shown and includes configuring the basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 such that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is located between the user and the basket, as shown in operational block 502. The ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is then configured such that the top indicator surface 110, 210, 310 of the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is ‘pointing’ from the user to the basket, as shown in operational block 504. For example, a vertical plane that intersects the first indicator end 112, 212, 312 and the second indicator end 114, 214, 314 would also intersect the basket and the user. The basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 is then configured such that the height of the ball path indicator is adjusted to the height of the user, as shown in operational block 506. It should be appreciated that in at least one embodiment, the height of the first indicator end 112, 212, 312 may be higher than the height of the second indicator end 114, 214, 314, such that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is ‘tilted’ downward from the basket to the user. A user may then ‘throw’ the basket ball into the basket using the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 as a directional guide via their peripheral vision, as shown in operational block 508.

Referring to FIG. 5, it should be appreciated that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 may be supported by a ball path indicator support structure 400 which may be connected to the first connecting member 106, 206, 306 on one end and the second connecting member 108, 208, 308 on the other end. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, an alignment article 600 is provided and includes an article attachment rod 602, a first alignment pole 604, a second alignment pole 606, a first alignment height indicator 608 and a second alignment height indicator 610, wherein the article attachment rod 602 includes an attachment rod mounting device 612 configured to securely and removably connect to the second indicator end 114, 214, 315 of the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302. Additionally, the alignment article 600 also includes alignment height indicator mounts 614 that allow the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 to be securely attached to the article attachment rod 602. It should be appreciated that the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 are securely and moveably connected to the first alignment pole 604 and second alignment pole 606, respectively, via height indicator adjustable mounts 616. These height indicator adjustable mounts 616 allow the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 to be movable to a position along the height of the first alignment pole 604 and second alignment pole 606, respectively.

It should be appreciated that one or more structural parts of the basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 may be constructed from a rail or track bar 700 (such as a Keder track) having tracks that run along at least a portion of the length of the track bar. One example of such a track bar 700 is shown in to FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b. It should be appreciated that the attachment rod mounting device 612 connected to the article attachment rod 602 of the alignment article 600, includes interface portions 620 which fit into the rails/tracks of the track bar 700. When the attachment rod mounting device 612 is adjusted, the interface portions 620 compress against the wall of the rails/tracks of the track bar 700 thereby securing the alignment article 600 to the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 are fastened to the first and second alignment poles 604, 606, respectively, via the height indicator adjustable mounts 616. A portion of the height indicator adjustable mounts 616 are located within the rail or track that runs along the length of the first and second alignment poles 604, 606. The height indicator adjustable mounts 616 include a compression element 618 that, when adjusted, causes the portion of the height indicator adjustable mounts 616 that is located within the rail or track to compress (or decompress) against the walls of the rail or track, thus securing the height indicator adjustable mounts 616, and anything associated with the height indicator adjustable mounts 616, at a particular location along the first and second alignment poles 604, 606. This allows components, such as the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 to be easily adjustable along the first and second alignment poles 604, 606.

Referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram illustrating a method 900 for implementing a basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 with an alignment article 600 is shown and includes configuring the basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 such that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is located between the user and the basket, as shown in operational block 902. The ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is then configured such that the top indicator surface 110, 210, 310 of the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is ‘pointing’ from the user to the basket, as shown in operational block 904. For example, a vertical plane that intersects the first indicator end 112, 212, 312 and the second indicator end 114, 214, 314 would also intersect the basket and the user. The basketball throw training device 100, 200, 300 is then configured such that the height of the ball path indicator is adjusted to the height of the user, as shown in operational block 906. It should be appreciated that in at least one embodiment, the height of the first indicator end 112, 212, 312 may be higher than the height of the second indicator end 114, 214, 314, such that the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 is ‘tilted’ downward from the basket to the user. The alignment article 600 is then adjusted such that the first alignment height indicator 608 and the second alignment height indicator 610 are located at approximately the same height as the wrist area of a thrower when the throwers arm is extended to throw the ball, as shown in operational block 908. A user may then ‘throw’ the basket ball into the basket using the ball path indicator 102, 202, 302 as a directional guide via their peripheral vision, as shown in operational block 910.

It should be appreciated that one or more of the ball path indicator support structure 400, first connecting member 106, 206, 306, second connecting member 108, 208, 308, support device first leg 118, 218, 318, support device second leg 120, 220, 320 and alignment article 600 may be constructed from metal, plastic, composite, wood, any combination thereof or any material or combination of materials suitable to the desired end purpose. Moreover, although the ball path indicator support structure 400, first connecting member 106, 206, 306, second connecting member 108, 208, 308, support device first leg 118, 218, 318, support device second leg 120, 220, 320 and alignment article 600 are disclosed herein as being adjustable via a track or rail system, any method or device may be used to adjust and/or secure the ball path indicator support structure 400, first connecting member 106, 206, 306, second connecting member 108, 208, 308, support device first leg 118, 218, 318, support device second leg 120, 220, 320 and alignment article 600 as desired.

It should be appreciated that the term “throw” as used herein is meant to include all types of basketball throws (shots) made from anywhere on the court and not meant to limit the invention to only those throws taken at the “free-throw” line of a basketball court. For example, the present invention may be used to perfect shots taken from the sides of the court, from the center of the court and foul shots.

It should be appreciated that while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. 

I claim:
 1. A basketball throw training device, comprising: a device support structure; a ball path indicator support structure; and a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor is securely connected to the ball path indicator support structure and includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, wherein the ball path indicator support structure is movably associated with the device support structure such that the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height.
 2. The basketball throw training device of claim 1, wherein the device support structure includes a support device base portion, a support device first leg and a support device second leg.
 3. The basketball throw training device of claim 2, wherein the device support structure further includes a first connecting member movably associated with the support device first leg and connected to the ball path indicator support structure.
 4. The basketball throw training device of claim 3, wherein the first connecting member is movably associated with the support device first leg via a height adjustment means.
 5. The basketball throw training device of claim 4, wherein the height adjustment means is at least one of, a rotary device configured to cause the first connecting member to move along the height of the support device first leg; and a compression device configured to allow the first connecting member to be movable by hand along the height of the support device first leg.
 6. The basketball throw training device of claim 2, wherein the device support structure further includes a second connecting member movably associated with the support device second leg and connected to the ball path indicator support structure.
 7. The basketball throw training device of claim 6, wherein the second connecting member is movably associated with the support device second leg via a height adjustment means.
 8. The basketball throw training device of claim 7, wherein the height adjustment means is at least one of, a rotary gear device configured to cause the second connecting member to move along the height of the support device second leg; and a compression device configured to allow the second connecting member to be movable by hand along the height of the support device second leg.
 9. A basketball throw training device, comprising: a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, wherein the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height.
 10. The basketball throw training device of claim 9, further comprising, a device support structure; and a ball path indicator support structure, wherein the ball path indictor is securely connected to the ball path indicator support structure, wherein the ball path indicator support structure is movably associated with the device support structure.
 11. The basketball throw training device of claim 10, wherein the device support structure includes a support device base portion, a support device first leg and a support device second leg.
 12. The basketball throw training device of claim 11, wherein the device support structure further includes a first connecting member movably associated with the support device first leg and connected to the ball path indicator support structure.
 13. The basketball throw training device of claim 12, wherein the first connecting member is movably associated with the support device first leg via a height adjustment means.
 14. The basketball throw training device of claim 13, wherein the height adjustment means is at least one of, a rotary device configured to cause the first connecting member to move along the height of the support device first leg; and a compression device configured to allow the first connecting member to be movable by hand along the height of the support device first leg.
 15. The basketball throw training device of claim 10, wherein the device support structure further includes a second connecting member movably associated with the support device second leg and connected to the ball path indicator support structure.
 16. The basketball throw training device of claim 15, wherein the second connecting member is movably associated with the support device second leg via a height adjustment means.
 17. The basketball throw training device of claim 16, wherein the height adjustment means is at least one of, a rotary gear device configured to cause the second connecting member to move along the height of the support device second leg; and a compression device configured to allow the second connecting member to be movable by hand along the height of the support device second leg.
 18. A method for implementing a basketball throw training device having a ball path indictor, wherein the ball path indictor includes a top indicator surface having a first indicator end separated from a second indicator end via an indicator center portion, and wherein the ball path indicator is configurable between varying heights, wherein the first indicator end is configurable to a first height and the second indicator end is configurable to a second height, the method comprising: locating the basketball throw training device such that the ball path indicator is located between a thrower and a basket; arranging the basketball throw training device such that the top indicator surface of the ball path indicator is ‘pointing’ from the thrower to the basket; adjusting the height of the ball path indicator to the height of the thrower; and directing a thrower to throw a basketball into the basket using the ball path indicator as a directional guide.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, locating the basketball throw training device at a desired location on the basketball court.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting the height of the ball path indicator to the height of the thrower, includes adjusting the height of the first indicator end to be vertically higher than the height of the second indicator end. 